In a change from two previous controlled burns of Fort Ord backcountry
to clean up live explosives, the Army won't pitch in to pay temporary
relocation costs for residents when it lights up brush land later this year.

The Army plans to burn about 300 acres of scrubland near Del Rey Oaks
and Seaside as part of an ongoing cleanup of unexploded ordnance on the
former base firing ranges. Using fire to clear the brush makes it easier
and safer for workers.

The plan calls for separately torching two areas, of 164 and 131 acres,
when optimum weather conditions ensure safe dispersal of the smoke. A
final go-ahead on the burn plan is expected by Nov. 15 from Army and
federal and state environmental officials.